The Trap of Niceness

Many libertarians try to err on the side of niceness. I think that’s praiseworthy. It’s nice to be nice.

But, what worries me is that misplaced niceness makes the bad guys believe that they really aren’t doing anything all that bad.

If no one is willing to call you out on what you’re doing, then it must not really matter. Either you’ll believe it isn’t really bad, or no one cares very much so it must not be important.

It’s a hard line to walk, and I know I don’t always get it right.

I want to be nice to everyone, but I also don’t see it as nice to let people get away with violating anyone. Yet calling them out on it isn’t nice, and there’s really no way to make it seem nice while making sure they understand the seriousness of what they are doing.